"The Brick's" Unofficial Guide To Pugilistic Places

IT IS THAT TIME AGAIN...TIME FOR MORE BOXING GYM REVIEWS

This time it is Stockyards Boxing and Fitness verses Bloor Street Fitness. 

Since these are the only two "Pugilistic Places" I have attended over the last year, these are the only two I can review at this time.

As you will see from this report, one of these fitness centres is doing very well, and the other is going downhill, quite quickly.

Let us first look at Bloor Fitness, which I have to say I have been very disappointed with over the past few months.

The fact that this facility is open 24/7 for its members is the only thing keeping this gym's rating from being much lower.

General disrespect for customers, unprofessional staff and faulty equipment are keys to the decline in the enjoyment of this once fine and well-known Toronto fitness facility.

Although there are giant boxing gloves outside the gym, and a boxing studio, this facility does not offer any boxing classes. Only boxing-for-fitness, and something called "Tonebana", a pseudo-boxing class. It is supposed to be a combination of boxing and dancing, but is in reality nothing special.
Therefore, this fitness centre is useless for anyone who wants to be a serious boxer. However, it is great if you just want to go in and train on your own.

At one class, an instructor is known to threaten the students. I was one of them, and it was no joke. 
Management obviously did absolutely nothing about it, because he is still there, and still "teaching".  This is at the very least unprofessional, but is actually much more serious. It is a criminal offence.

Do you really want someone like "teaching" your fitness class?

Another potential problem is that the music played during some of the classes may be offensive. Containing the 'F' and 'N' words. Although this is a gym, it is still a place of business, and should have respect for its clients. 

There is also an ongoing issue with malfunctioning equipment. Treadmills are often not working, or not working properly for three weeks or more. 

This location is good only for those who want to train on their own during 'off' hours. 
However, I don't recommend the classes, except for Muay Thai, which can be helpful even for boxers. 
Don't bother with the boxing-for-fitness, as I don't see any benefit for serious boxers.  

This gym is equipped with all boxing equipment along with cardio and resistance equipment.

This fitness facility does not post their fees. Please contact the gym for more information.
Most memberships require a minimum commitment, and first/last.

This gym accepts direct payment, debit, Visa, Mastercard.

Bottled water is for sale, and refill stations are available.

The next gym I will review will be Stockyards. This one just keeps getting better. 
For a new gym, they are doing quite well.

After just over a year, this boxing gym has become very popular, and with good reason.

The management of Stockyards is very professional, but friendly. 
There are two very good certified coaches, both care very much for their athletes. 

At one point, the head coach told me, "My members come first".
I believe that. 
At Stockyards, you can learn at your own level. If you show an interest in learning, the coaches will help you. Once you reach a comfortable level, and have expressed interest, you will be provided with instructions on how to register with Boxing Ontario.
Once registered, you may be able to participate in full-contact sparring, and eventually exhibition matches, and competitions. 

This facility is almost perfect, except it can never score a "10" because of its lack of showers.

This gym also has limited hours. Only open mornings and evenings during the week, and mornings only on weekends. They are also closed on statutory holidays. 

Except for these couple of negatives, I find this gym to be one of the best in Toronto.
Highly recommended. 
Stop by or call for more information.

This gym is equipped with all boxing equipment along with cardio and resistance equipment.

Current posted dues, for all adult members including competitive boxers: 

• Monthly $70 
• 3 months prepaid $200
• 6 months prepaid $300
• 12 months prepaid $550
• No contract required, but monthly memberships require first/last.

*Fees are current as posted at time of publication. Contact the facility for current rates.

This gym accepts cash or debit card.

Boxing gear at reasonable prices and bottled water are for sale.

OTHER FITNESS FACILITIES WITH BOXING (not reviewed):

Atlas Boxing Club

Cabbagetown Boxing Club

Grant Brothers

Sully's Boxing Gym